Holdback-snap.



Patented Dec. 3, I90l.

Mum

5 iioz TQLIT S. C. PITNEY.

HOLDBACK SNAP.

(Application filed Nov. 23, 1900.)

(No Model.)

UNrrnn STATES PATENT OFFICE.

SANFORD C. PITNEY, OF QUINCY, ILLINOIS.

HOLDBACK-SNAP.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent N 0. 688,196, dated-December 3,1901. Application filed November 23, 1900. Serial No. 37,498. (No model-l To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, SANFORD O. PITNEY, a citizen of the United States of America, residing at Quincy, in the county of Adams and State of Illinois, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Holdback-Snaps, of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates to an improvement in holdback-snaps; and the object is to provide a simple and inexpensive device which will be effectual for the purposes for which it is intended-namely, for the attachment and detachment of a holdback from the shafts of a vehicle with the least possible expenditure of time; and it consists in certain novel features of construction and combinations of parts, which will be hereinafter described, and pointed out in the claim.

In the accompanying drawings, Figure l is a view in perspective, showing the holdback in position on the shaft. Fig. 2 is a detached view in longitudinal section. Fig. 3 is a bottom plan view. Fig. 4 is a transverse vertical section on the line 00 x of Fig. 2, and Fig. 5 is a detail in side elevation.

A represents the frame or body portion of my improved holdback-snap. This is flat on the lower side to rest upon the shaft, preferably rounded on its upper surface, and provided with an integral forwardly-projecting hook l on its upper surface. At each end countersunk holes 2 2 are formed to receive screws or tire-bolts, by which it is secured in place on the shaft. The interior is hollowed out, as at 3, forming a slot which extends from the lower surface to the upper surface of the casting and which decreases from its lower edge, where it is of considerable length, to the point where it opens into the upper surface of the casting, where it is compara tively short, thus affording the curved forward wall 4 and the inclining rearward wall 5. A spring 6 is secured rigidly at its forward end in the forward end of this hollowed interior in any convenient manner and preferably by means of the V or U shaped integral lugs 7 7, which extend downwardly, as shown in Figs. 4 and 5, when the parts are assembled and are bent inwardly over the end of the spring, as shown in Figs. 2 and 3, when the parts are secured together, thus furnishing a simple and quick means for fastening the spring in place. The position of the holdback-snap on the shaft affords an additional safeguard against these lugs bending outward and the spring working loose. The spring, as shown, is bent to conform to the walls 4 and 5 of the central recess, and the angle 8 at the apex reaches approximately across the space formed by the hook 1, thus closing this space when not otherwise hindered by the passage of the loop in or out of the hook against the force of the spring, the

tension of the latter being sufficient to pre-' vent accidental escape of the loop.

B indicates the loop to which the holdback snap is attached. This may be variously formed and preferably consists of a single casting of adequate size and dimensions for the purpose and adapted to enter the hook when the holdbacks are to be fastened to the shafts and by the exercise of a little force to push the spring aside to permit it to pass, whereupon it is held in position back of it. The loop is' removed by the reverse movement, which may be done by hand or by the horse walking out of the shafts.

It is evident that slight changes might be made in the form and arrangement of the several parts described without departing from the spirit and scope of my invention, and hence I do not wish to limit myself to the exact construction herein set forth; but,

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as no w, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is-

A snap hook composed of two separate pieces a body and a spring, the body portion recessed and provided with a slot at one end of the recess extending through the body portion, the Walls of the slot inclined, an integral rigid hook on the body portion, and a spring bent to conform to the inclination of the walls of the slot and operating easily therein, a portion of the spring extending out through the slot and held in place by the walls thereof, the ends and greater portion of the spring contained within'the recessed body portion, one end of the spring secured to the body portion and the other end abutting one inclined wall of the slot and free to have a limited movement up and down thereagainst.

In testimony whereof I have signed my name to this specification in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

SANFORD O. PITNEY.

Witnesses:

S. M. MANN, U. H. KEATH. 

